Pope Leo XIV publicly endorsed a "special message" from U.S. Catholic bishops condemning mass deportations and the vilification of migrants, urging Americans to treat migrants humanely and listen to the bishops. He acknowledged problems in the U.S. immigration system but rejected calls for open borders, stressing lawful processes exist. The pope also discussed travel plans, including an upcoming trip to Turkey and Lebanon and more travel expected after 2026.
Pope Leo XIV Urges Humane Treatment for Migrants, Backs U.S. Bishops' Critique of Immigration Raids
Pope Leo XIV publicly endorsed a "special message" from U.S. Catholic bishops condemning mass deportations and the vilification of migrants, urging Americans to treat migrants humanely and listen to the bishops. He acknowledged problems in the U.S. immigration system but rejected calls for open borders, stressing lawful processes exist. The pope also discussed travel plans, including an upcoming trip to Turkey and Lebanon and more travel expected after 2026.
02:44 AM, 11/19/2025Politics
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy
Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday publicly supported a “special message” issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that criticized intensified immigration enforcement and the growing vilification of migrants. The pope praised the bishops’ call for humane treatment and urged Americans and people of goodwill to listen to their concerns.
Described as the first American pope and a Chicago native, Leo said he has long encouraged local bishops to lead on social justice issues. Speaking to reporters outside his papal villa in Castel Gandolfo, he noted that immigration raids have sown fear and anxiety in many communities and that detained migrants are often denied adequate pastoral care.
“I think we have to look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have,”
the pope said, adding that even when people are in the United States without legal authorization, there are legal and judicial processes to address their status. He emphasized that supporting humane treatment is compatible with a country’s right to enforce its borders.
“When people have built lives over 10, 15, 20 years, to treat them in a way that is extremely disrespectful — and sometimes violent — is wrong,” he said. “I would invite all people in the United States to listen to the bishops.”
The bishops’ focused “special message” was notable as the first single-issue statement adopted at a general assembly since 2013; it was accompanied by an Instagram video of bishops reading the text to underscore its urgency.
Travel and outreach
Speaking casually about his schedule, the pope said he typically spends Monday afternoons and Tuesdays at his Castel Gandolfo residence, where he relaxes, plays tennis and swims. He signaled plans to travel more beginning in 2026 as some commitments in Rome ease with the end of the Holy Year.
Leo said he would consider returning to Peru, where he served as a missionary for about 20 years, and mentioned possible visits to the shrines of Fátima in Portugal and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, as well as trips to Argentina and Uruguay. Next week he is scheduled to make his first foreign trip as pope to Turkey and Lebanon.
Reporting contribution: Nicole Winfield.